Cultural Economic Development Online Tool (CEDOT) Frequesntly Asked Questions

Although Michigan's cultural sector is a key economic driver it lacks current scientific measures of its economic performance and contributions to economic development. In FY 2006, in partnership with Michigan State University, the Department of History Arts and Libraries (HAL) developed the Cultural Economic Development Tool (CEDOT), the first online system of its kind in the nation. CEDOT is a research survey tool.

CEDOT will provide accessible, uniform, scientific-based method for collecting, measuring, managing, analyzing and reporting data related to the sector's market and non-market value(s). This will provide the opportunity to affirm and articulate: (1) its value to different stakeholders including elected officials, (2) its capacity to contribute to community and economic development and (3) the contribution of the Cultural Economic Development Strategy.

CEDOT consists of five components, 1) a web-based tool for estimating the economic impacts of cultural facilities and programs, 2) on-line HAL panels that will be used continuously to collect information on HAL markets and suppliers (e.g., artists, craftspersons, entertainment venues, etc.) and to monitor the "health" of the sector, 3) scientifically conducted case studies that will describe and verify different values associated with HAL facilities and programs, 4) partnerships to design and deliver training to develop the next generation of cultural leaders and entrepreneurs, and 5) a regularly re-occurring survey of households throughout the United States with emphasis on residents of the Great Lakes and Michigan. The system will provide the cultural sector convenient access to: up-to-date scientific information on cultural customers (e.g., tourists, purchasers of art), verification of different HAL values, and what Michigan's cultural sector generates in terms of spending, income and employment. Partnership resources and private sponsorships will be sought to ensure long-term sustainability.

Success Factors and Measures:

• Regional Household Survey
• Information and Marketing
• Quality Analysis
• Online Panel Recruitment and Participation
• Online Tool Design and Use
• Collaborative Research
• Professional Development and Training

Competitive Advantages:

• University-Based System
• Economist Participation
• Access to Sector and Consumer Verifiable Data and Information
• Catalyst for Best Practices and Quality Decision-making
• Cultural Community Collaboration

Partners:

• Michigan State University
• State of Michigan Departments and Agencies
• Cultural Organizations
• National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

Cultural Economic Development Online Tool Overview

Great Lakes Arts, Culture, and Heritage Survey Results Give Michigan a Powerful Tool in Leveraging a Key Economic Sector - Press Release

Great Lakes Arts, Culture, and Heritage Participation Survey Report 

Cultural Economic Development Online Tool (CEDOT) Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 5/23/2007